Change of venue request filed for Lunsford Conaway trial

WESTON, W.Va. — A change of venue request has been filed for the trial of Lena Lunsford Conaway.

Defense attorney Tom Dyer filed the motion, as he believes Lunsford-Conway could not receive an impartial trial in Lewis County, given the general public’s familiarity with the case.

“There seems to be some bias already, so we’re thinking about filing a change of venue, and that would most likely become well before the trial date,” fellow defense attorney Zach Dyer said after an Oct. 5 hearing in which continuance was granted for the trial.

A hearing on the motion is set for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 before Lewis County Circuit Judge Jake Reger.

The 34-year-old former Lewis County resident is charged in the 2011 disappearance and presumed death of her then 3-year-old daughter Aliayah Lunsford.

Police issued a warrant for Lunsford’s arrest last November. She was arrested by local authorities in Pinellas County, Florida, and extradited the next day.